The Surrender Experiment In Michael A. Singer’s latest book, The Surrender Experiment, he tells a story about meditating outdoors alone near a secluded lake in Mexico. All of a sudden, he heard men and horses approach. He remained in meditation and fought to stay centered. His rational mind went into fear and worry about what was going to happen next. “Who are these men? What do they want with me?” When he finally opened his eyes, he faced several men on horses who worked for the landowner and were patrolling the property for him. In broken Spanish, Michael communicated with the Mexicans. They invited him to their village to meet their families. He was afraid, but unwilling to give in to the fear. As he entered the village with the men, everyone welcomed him warmly. The people graciously invited him to eat with them. They generously shared their meager food supplies. They seemed excited to meet an American. Singer did his best to communicate his practice of meditation with the villagers. By the time he departed, they were fast friends. He felt humbled that his mind had gone into fear when confronted with a strange situation. Because he had determinedly stayed open to the new opportunity, everything turned out beautifully. This incident clarified to Singer that practicing non-judgment and staying open to love was being reinforced in his life. He accepted the situation and, thus, he was in a state of openness and love. The Mexicans accepted him in the same way. When fear enters the mind, reason is lost. The worst is assumed. In Singer’s case, it became his goal to expunge fear from his thinking and to listen intently to his inner Voice in making decisions. That became his practice. It can become yours, as well. Love, as a mental concern, is liberating. It causes you to recognize your eternal connection with Source. Through the attracting power of love, we draw a never-ending stream of wisdom and understanding that provides endless opportunities to learn valuable lessons.

Everyone Receives when You Give with Right Intention I knew a man named Martin who owned a successful flooring store. He kept to himself most of the time and led a quiet life. One Christmas, he felt inspired, deciding to step out of his usual routine to do something audacious. This was for himself. Martin learned about a single mom who was struggling to meet her family’s needs. He decided to give her $500 anonymously. So, one night, he put five $100 bills in an envelope, along with a holiday greeting. He commenced to walk up to her house, placed the envelope in a conspicuous location by the front door, then rang the doorbell and ran to hide behind a bush. The woman answered the door and picked up the envelope. As she opened it, she let out a surprised and happy gasp. She called out to the night air, “Thank you!” Martin was so excited, he couldn’t sleep that night. As he told me this story, he beamed with joy. It was apparent that Martin got the greater blessing that night. We can all give as Martin did. In every day and every way and with every person we can give with Highest intention! Everything is brighter when we do!

Your Journey... A space vehicle is propelled by rockets that fire in programmed sequence, much the same way as we are propelled along life path by other people or events that influence us. Sometimes these influences are profoundly positive and create major transitional moments. We look back at them as ; land marks on the terrain of our lives. Other times, the event or person seems negative or ominous. Even so, they create the change we need at the time. All of us can look to the past and recall events that were turning points and people whose effect was transforming. Our parents obviously fit this category. They provided our first boost into this world and their effect stayed with us for quite some time. As parental influence waned, the next “rocket” may have been a friend, or teacher, and then the next rocket, a boss, spouse or mentor. Each person provided the exact experience we required to move ourselves forward. As you have been propelled, coached, encouraged and benefited by others, you have a similar opportunity to serve others. This may feel like a responsibility or it can be recognized as a privilege and joy, depending on your approach and willingness to give back. Every day we have numerous occasions to supply this service. It can be as simple as a compliment, positive reinforcement, kind word, or as easy as gathering the accumulated newspapers of an absent neighbor, holding the door for someone with a package, preparing a meal for someone in transition, being present at a time of grief, or any other thoughtful act. Everyone needs a cheering-on, support and appreciation. There are vast amounts of negativity and fear in the world. We have the privilege of providing positive energy and the honor of helping those less fortunate. That privilege not only enriches others, but ourselves as well. As we consider ourselves rockets to boost the performance, empowerment and success of others, we take ourselves a little more seriously as well. _____________________